Children try to cool off at a tunnel fountain on Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on June 30, 2025, amid a heat wave advisory issued for the entire capital. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 30 (Korea Bizwire) — More than 100 Gyeonggi Province residents have received compensation through the region’s pioneering climate insurance program, as record heatwaves continue to drive a sharp rise in heat-related illnesses.
As of July 28, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government reported a total of 110 insurance payouts: 60 cases related to heat illness, 47 to infectious diseases, and 3 for transportation assistance for vulnerable groups. The figures come amid a spike in extreme weather-related health issues across the region.
According to Gyeonggi’s emergency room surveillance system, 505 heat-related illness cases have been reported so far this year — 438 of them in July alone — marking a sixfold increase over the same period last year. Most cases occurred outdoors (nearly 80%), with men accounting for 81.2% and individuals over 65 comprising roughly a quarter, highlighting the increased risk for elderly and outdoor laborers.
Launched in May, Gyeonggi’s climate insurance program covers all 14.2 million residents and offers financial support for physical and psychological harm linked to climate events. Standard coverage includes ₩100,000 ($77) for diagnoses of heatstroke, hypothermia, or designated infectious diseases, and ₩300,000 ($230) in disaster-related condolence payments.
For climate-vulnerable residents — such as low-income seniors with preexisting health conditions — additional benefits include daily hospital allowances, mental health support, and ₩20,000 ($15) in transportation aid during extreme weather advisories. Eligible individuals can claim between ₩100,000 and ₩500,000.
However, uptake among vulnerable groups remains low, particularly for transportation and disaster-related allowances. Gyeonggi officials said they plan to visit all 43 public health centers in the province to raise awareness among eligible residents and expand participation.
Unlike traditional social safety nets, the climate insurance program is funded through a partnership with Hanwha General Insurance and other insurers, meaning expanded enrollment does not affect the province’s fiscal budget. Residents can check their eligibility and apply via Gyeonggi’s official website (https://www.gg.go.kr/) or by calling the support hotline at 02-2175-5030.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
